Western Governors University
Online degrees based on your skills and knowledge
Western Governors University provides a radically simple, yet revolutionary way to get the respected and accredited education you want. By emphasizing mastery of essential skills and knowledge instead accumulating credit hours, WGU's approach to earning a degree rewards focused hard-working professionals. Progress toward your online degree is based on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) that measure your skills and knowledge in your field of study. We call it competency-based learning.
With multiple degree programs in education, business, healthcare, and information technology, WGU's rigorous yet flexible approach gives the university a unique advantage over other online programs. Here's what the WGU advantage means to you:
- Flexibility and Affordability. Our competency-based approach gives you the flexibility to use your existing knowledge and experience to pass your assessments as quickly as you can. You pay one flat rate per six-month term, so if you're able to pass the assessments at a faster pace, you can save time and money.
- Credibility through Accreditation. WGU is regionally and nationally accredited. It is the only university ever to have received accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions. WGU's Teachers College is also now NCATE-accredited - the first online university to achieve that distinction.
- Commitment and Support. At WGU, students are supported by a mentoring team committed to success. You'll work with a progress manager, faculty mentors and a support staff that will keep you motivated as they steer you toward your degree.
If you're an organized, independent learner willing to devote at least 15-20 hours a week to your studies but require flexibility in time and place to complete your education, WGU could be the university you're looking for.
Programs
BUSINESS
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials to qualify for their first HR job, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S in Business – Human Resource Management prepares you to become an HR manager or personnel director for private businesses, public corporations, and government entities. This program educates you to combine expertise in human resources with business management skills, and gain valuable understanding of the labor relations, occupational health, and strategic management. A perfect program for HR professionals who need a degree, as well as newcomers or career changers interested in a career in human resources.
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some IT training who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to combine business and IT in a management career, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S. in Business – Information Technology Management prepares you to become an IT project manager, director of customer service, data center manager, or an equivalent management position. This program educates you to combine technical expertise in IT with business management skills. A perfect program for the IT person who wants to develop broader business skills to go into a management career.
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some business experience who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials to qualify for a management position, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S. in Business – Business Management prepares you for management positions in private businesses, public corporations, and government entities. The program provides you with a broad background in business skills and knowledge. A perfect program for business managers or professionals lacking the bachelor's degree necessary for career advancement.
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some marketing experience who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials for career advancement, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S in Business – Marketing Management prepares you for a career in marketing, promotion, and sales management. The program educates you in a wide range of marketing expertise, including strategic marketing, product management, promotion, pricing, distribution, sales, and other essential marketing areas. A perfect program for any individual seeking a career that emphasizes marketing, sales, publicity, and promotion.
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some finance experience who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials in finance, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S. in Business – Finance prepares you for a career in corporate and managerial finance, investment management, and brokerage. This program provides you with broad business skills, plus an understanding and abilities in finance that open career doors. A perfect program for someone with substantial business, accounting, or finance backgrounds.
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some accounting experience who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials in accounting, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S. in Business – Accounting prepares you for an accounting career in a corporate, non-profit, or government organization. The program educates you in broad business skills as well as specialized knowledge in financial and cost accounting, tax accounting, auditing, and other critical areas. A perfect program for those who already have substantial experience in accounting or bookkeeping.
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who already possesses significant “real world” experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The Master of Business Administration prepares you for mid-level to upper-level management positions in business, industry, and non-profit organizations. The program educates you in a number of critical areas, including distribution, financial reporting, analysis, communication, ethics, strategy, and leadership. A perfect program for the experienced business professional who seeks a credible degree program and upward mobility.
This program is ideal for the self-motivated IT professional who already possesses significant “real world” experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The MBA – Information Technology Management prepares you for mid-level to upper-level IT management positions in business, industry, and non-profit organizations. The program educates you in core business skills, essential industry knowledge, and advanced IT managerial expertise. A perfect program for the experienced IT professional who seeks a credible degree program and upward mobility.
EDUCATION (programs for current teachers and others)
This program is specifically designed for already-licensed teachers who are currently using technology in the classroom and are committed to discovering new and better ways to teach. If you can devote 15-20 hours per week to your studies, you'll become a technology and instruction expert, and have the potential to earn more too. The competency-based M.Ed. in Learning and Technology will enhance your teaching talents and increase your technology integration skills using instructional design principles to make you more in demand than ever before. The course of study integrates best practices in instructional design, technology, measurement and evaluation, and development of graduate-level research abilities.
Teachers with a master's degree earn on average over ,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor's degree. This M.Ed. program is a great investment in your future.
The competency-based M.Ed. Measurement and Evaluation is a great fit for the already-licensed teacher who desires to incorporate sophisticated skills in measuring and evaluating instruction. Perfect for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, the program integrates best practices in measurement and evaluation, instructional design, technology integration, and development of graduate-level research abilities.
You will have the potential to earn more, too. Teachers with a master's degree earn on average over ,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor's degree. By taking advantage of WGU's competency-based approach and affordable tuition, this M.Ed. program is a great investment in your future.
This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn a secondary certification in mathematics, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12) prepares you to certify in secondary mathematics or complete a professional development program in K-6 mathematics. Graduates become better mathematics teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in technology integration, instruction, measurement, and management and innovation. Earn more with a master's degree in a high-demand field!
This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn a secondary certification in science, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The M.A. in Science Education (5-9 or 5-12) prepares you to certify in secondary science. Graduates become better science teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in technology integration, instruction, measurement, and management and innovation. Earn more with a master's degree in a high-demand field!
EDUCATION – Initial Teaching Licensure Programs
A great investment in your future! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified middle school or high school social science teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.A. in Social Science (5-12) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in middle and high school social science. The program educates you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom.
This program is ideally suited to someone who has considerable social science background and can use the knowledge they already possess to move more quickly through the required subject area assessments. It's perfect for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in social science, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school social science teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates include unlicensed social science substitute teachers, career changers, retired military, and others who feel the call to teach.
If you already have a social science background, you can become a licensed teacher and earn a master's degree. The M.A. in Teaching, Social Science, combines teacher licensure and a master's degree in a program that trains you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. As a master's program, it includes additional training in research, instructional design, and performance improvement.
Math teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified middle school or high school math teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 9-12) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in middle school and high school mathematics. The program educates you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. A perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Science teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified middle school or high school science teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.A. in Science (5-9 or 9-12) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in middle school and high school science. The program educates you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. A perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in math, science, or engineering, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school math teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates include unlicensed mathematics substitute teachers, career changers, retired military, and others who feel the call to teach.
If you already have a mathematics background, you can become a licensed teacher and earn a master's degree. The M.A. in Teaching, Mathematics, combines teacher licensure and a master's degree in a program that trains you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. As a master's program, it includes additional training in research and your choice of instructional design, management and innovation, measurement, or technology integration.
The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in math, science, or engineering, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school science teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates include unlicensed science substitute teachers, career changers, retired military, and others who feel the call to teach.
Perfect for someone who already has a science background, you can become a licensed teacher and earn a master's degree. The M.A. in Teaching, Science, combines teacher licensure and a master's degree in a program that trains you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. As a master's program, it includes additional training in research and your choice of instructional design, management and innovation, measurement, or technology integration.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Accelerate your IT career at WGU! Earn an online bachelor's degree in Information Systems plus eight IT certifications including CompTIA, Sun Microsystems, and CIW. This accredited program provides you with a solid IT foundation with coursework in operating systems, databases, software, security, e-commerce, and project management. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or newcomer to the field, this flexible program will provide you with the skills you need to succeed at a very affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). If you already hold relevant IT certifications, you can accelerate your program, saving you time and money.
Get your IT career in high gear with independent, online study at WGU! Earn an online degree in Information Technology—Databases Emphasis plus nine IT certifications including Oracle Certified Associate (OCA), CompTIA, and CIW. This accredited program emphasizes database administration with coursework in operating systems, databases, software, security, e-commerce, and project management. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or newcomer to the field, this flexible program will provide you with the skills you need to succeed at a very affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). If you already hold relevant IT certifications, you can accelerate your program, saving you time and money.
Take your IT career to the next level! Earn an affordable, online bachelor's degree in Information Technology—Networks Administration Emphasis plus eight IT certifications including MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), Sun Certified Associate for the Java Platform, and CIW. This accredited program emphasizes networks administration with coursework in operating systems, databases, software, security, e-commerce, and project management. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or newcomer to the field, this flexible program will provide you with the skills you need to succeed at a very affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). If you already hold relevant IT certifications, you can accelerate your program, saving you time and money.
Advance your career in network management! Earn an affordable, online bachelor's degree in Information Technology—Networks Design and Management Emphasis plus eight IT certifications including MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), CompTIA, and CIW. This accredited program emphasizes networks management with coursework in operating systems, databases, software, security, e-commerce, and project management. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or newcomer to the field, this flexible program will provide you with the skills you need to succeed at a very affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). If you already hold relevant IT certifications, you can accelerate your program, saving you time and money.
Get ahead in the cutting-edge field of security management! Earn an online bachelor's degree in Information Technology—Security Emphasis plus nine IT certifications including CompTIA, Sun Microsystems, and CIW. This accredited program emphasizes security management with coursework in operating systems, databases, software, security, e-commerce, and project management. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or newcomer to the field, this flexible program will provide you with the skills you need to succeed at a very affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). If you already hold relevant IT certifications, you can accelerate your program, saving you time and money.
Take your software development career to the next level! Earn an affordable, online bachelor's degree in Information Technology—Software Emphasis plus nine IT certifications including Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform, CompTIA, and CIW. This accredited program emphasizes software development with coursework in operating systems, databases, software, security, e-commerce, and project management. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or newcomer to the field, this flexible program will provide you with the skills you need to succeed at a very affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). If you already hold relevant IT certifications, you can accelerate your program, saving you time and money.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Challenging... but also flexible. High quality...but also more affordable. Study independently and earn an online master's degree in Health Education from WGU, the respected non-profit online university founded by 19 governors. Equip yourself with the high-level knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world as a much-in-demand health educator. And become eligible for your Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) designation--a nationally recognized health education credential. For seasoned health professionals or newcomers to the field. No science, medical, or health-oriented background required. An Enrollment Counselor can explain your career options with an M.S. in Health Education.
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who already possesses healthcare industry experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The MBA – Healthcare Management prepares you for mid-level to upper-level healthcare management positions. The program educates you in core business skills, essential industry knowledge, and advanced healthcare managerial expertise. A perfect program for the experienced healthcare administration professional who seeks a credible degree program and upward mobility.